RYEY – Chapter 166 Forming the Hunting Team

“Village chief, I know Cheng Qiao graduated from high school, and I also graduated from high school. I know Cheng Qiao is your wife and has priority, but I married someone from the village and gave the Chen family another son, so I also have priority.”

“What does she mean? I don’t understand.”

A villager asked.

“She means that Cheng Qiao is no longer a sent-down youth; she’s one of us from Xiangyang Village. And since she married Chen Dazhu, she’s also considered part of Xiangyang Village. So don’t give her special treatment.”

“This woman is so annoying, speaking in circles. Who can understand her? Wait, didn’t she divorce Dazhu? How can she still be considered part of Xiangyang Village?”

Xu Laidi’s face turned pale, but she did not regret the divorce. Otherwise, she wouldn’t even have a chance to work in the factory, let alone get into the Workers’ and Peasants’ University. A criminal’s family member has no such rights.

“Dear villagers, I hereby announce that my Cheng Qiao will not take the Workers’ and Peasants’ University spot. Although she qualifies, my virtuous wife is giving this opportunity to a villager who has contributed to the community.”

“Good…”

Chen Weidang was the first to applaud. He genuinely admired Cheng Qiao. If he were the village chief, holding this quota, he might have quietly reserved it for his own son.

“Xu Laidi must be stunned this time. Cheng Qiao could clearly go to the university but refuses. Just for that, I’m the first to not accept it.”

“I don’t accept it either. I haven’t studied much, but I know a person with bad character will only get worse in university, so I firmly oppose Xu Laidi going.”

“I don’t agree either…”

The villagers’ almost unanimous response left Xu Laidi pale, constantly comforting herself: once I succeed, once I rise, I’ll make all of you fools pay.

“Huanzi, you decide who gets it. With Cheng Qiao, the sent-down youth being so righteous, we’ll all support you.”

“My suggestion is to give it to Chen Damao. Our village could catch the human traffickers and earn the title of an advanced collective because of him.”

“Huanzi, the advanced collective title was earned by you. You captured two wanted criminals and even beat them up. That’s what made our village an advanced collective.”

“Yes, I did contribute the first time and earned Xiangyang Village the title, but wasn’t this title later revoked because of certain people’s mistakes?”

Everyone glared at Chen Weimin. Leaning against a tree in silent frustration, he had been beaten for no reason, which made him much more aware. He kept recalling Chen Chunhua’s heart-wrenching cry:

“Father, I like the rogue. He’s capable. If you don’t let me marry him, you’ll regret it.”

Li Huan saw the villagers’ disdainful gestures and laughed inwardly. Clearing his throat, he continued:

“Do you all remember the human traffickers? It was Damao who risked his life to save Gousheng, letting our village regain the title of advanced collective.”

The villagers lowered their heads. Gousheng’s parents immediately stood up, expressing their support for Chen Damao attending the Workers’ and Peasants’ University.

“Fellow villagers, I now decide to give the Workers’ and Peasants’ University spot to Chen Damao. Raise your hands if you support this and show that you are reasonable and courageous.”

Hearing Li Huan mention being reasonable and courageous, even those reluctant to raise their hands did so—no one wants to be seen as spineless or unreasonable in the future.

Seeing nearly 100% approval, Li Huan smiled and waved at Chen Damao, handing him a thick envelope tied with a bright red ribbon. He should prepare; after the New Year, he would report to Spring City.

Chen Weidang wiped tears from his eyes with his sleeve. Though removed from his position as village chief, Li Huan’s influence still gave him a voice in the village.

Now, not only did his eldest daughter become a formal worker at the supply and marketing cooperative, but his eldest son was also going to the Workers’ and Peasants’ University. These benefits were thanks to Li Huan. In return, he could only follow her example and work hard.

Seeing Damao clutching the envelope like a rare treasure and run home, Li Huan laughed and told everyone to wait—there was still one more benefit for them.

Hearing the word “benefit,” the villagers immediately turned to watch her. Li Huan waved his arm, and Shouhou and Wang Xiangyang carried a bamboo basket over.

“These are soaps I obtained through various means. The cooperative sells them for 0.4 yuan per bar or 0.2 per half, and you need a soap ticket. I got them for 0.15 yuan per half, no ticket required.”

“Huanzi, why is it so much cheaper?”

“They have defects. Look, this one has a missing corner, that one has a crack. Those who temporarily have no money can pay with work points.”

“I’ll take two…”

Aunt Wang was the first to call out. Soap was valuable, and she had been reluctant to buy it. But after Cheng Qiao gave her one, her laundry came out spotless.

“I’ll take four…”

Cuihua took out four mao. She knew cooperative soaps rarely had defects, and even if they did, it might just waive the ticket. But half price? Impossible.

Soon, the basket was emptied. Those still hesitating missed out by the time they decided to buy.

“Huanzi, is there any soap left?”

“Sold out.”

“So fast?”

“There weren’t many to begin with. I didn’t even get one.”

“Can we still get some?”

“No, try your luck elsewhere.”

The villagers bowed their heads. If they could do it themselves, they’d already be village chief instead of standing there being lectured.

Those who got soap went home joyfully, chatting about the university quota and their soap. They hoped Li Huan would ring the gong every day to gather them.

Li Huan was on point. The next day, he rang the gong again. Everyone ran to the granary to see, even leaving their small stools behind—they didn’t want to be burdened holding them while eyeing goodies.

“Huanzi, what’s good this time?”

Li Huan smiled, picked up the megaphone, and asked everyone to quiet down. His first announcement was for the village security team to line up.

Except for a few expelled members, every household had one member in the security team, making the scene very impressive. Li Huan smiled and nodded, then announced another decision:

“This year’s harvest isn’t as good as previous years. Everyone knows grain prices will likely be higher. So, to ensure a good year, I plan to organize a hunting team.”

Everyone’s mood rose from low spirits to excitement. There were pheasants, rabbits, ducks in the mountains, and even wild boars, wolves, and leopards. If one went alone, who knows who would become dinner.